Bahamas News
EMBRACE COLLABORATION, REDUCE CONFLICT – BASIL SPRINGER COLUMN
April 11, 2023 – “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6
“You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 23:9
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.” – Surah Al ‘Imran 3:103
The above quotes from the Bible, Torah and Quran, respectively, remind us of the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or faith. They promote the values of collaboration, peace and harmony, which are essential for building strong and diverse communities.
With Holy Week coming to a close in the Caribbean, it is an opportune time to reflect on the religious and cultural diversity of the Caribbean. This is a place where people of different faiths and cultures come together in peace and harmony. While Christianity is the dominant religion in the region, there is a rich tapestry of other beliefs, including Judaism and Islam.
The 2022 and 2023 calendar overlap of Easter, Passover and Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the Abrahamic similarities of these wonderful faiths and to embrace closer collaboration between the different communities that are united in their commonality: spiritual beings on a course to master the human experience, and to return to our heavenly father.
Easter commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is a time of renewal and hope, as Christians celebrate the triumph of life over death.
Passover, on the other hand, celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. It is a time of remembrance and gratitude, as Jews give thanks for their freedom and reflect on the importance of family and community.
Ramadan is a month-long fast that commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be unto him). It is a time of spiritual reflection and self-discipline, as Muslims seek to purify themselves and draw closer to God.
Despite their differences, these holy seasons share a common heritage and promote universal values of love, peace and compassion. They remind us of the importance of faith, family and community, and offer an opportunity to come together in celebration and solidarity.
The Caribbean is a shining example of how people of different backgrounds can coexist in harmony. It is a region where diversity is celebrated, and differences are for the most part respected. In a world that is increasingly polarized and divided, we can all learn from the Caribbean’s example of relative collaboration and peace.
Embracing collaboration and reducing conflict is not just a matter of religious or cultural tolerance; it is a fundamental requirement for the economic and social development of the Caribbean. The region’s multicultural, multiethnic and multireligious character presents unique opportunities for business and trade, as well as for cultural exchange and tourism.
As we reflect on this holy season, let us take stock of the blessings we have and focus on the things that unite us rather than divide us. Let us work together to build a brighter future for all our communities, based on the values of love, compassion, collaboration, peace and harmony.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News4 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News4 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News4 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays